Vacuums have come a long way. You no longer have to suffer the indignity of dragging around an unwieldy plastic hose connected to a clumsy, wheeled canister the size of a Galapagos tortoise. In fact, you don't even need to get off of the couch. Though it still feels like a relatively new product category, there are several good robot vacuums available to help you dispose of dust, pet hair, and other debris in your home—without needing to lift a finger. Which is the right one for you? We've rounded up our highest-rated robot vacuums, and provided a few pointers to help you find just the 'bot you're looking for.Unlike more traditional canister or stick models like the Hoover Air Cordless, robot vacuums are autonomous and (for the most part) intelligent. The vacuums we've tested are equipped with lasers, motherboards, sensors, and even Wi-Fi to navigate around your home without the need for assistance. With a few exceptions, you barely have to interact with them at all. Most robot vacuums come with charging docks;

some, like the Roomba 980, can even charge themselves. Just pick a robot-accessible spot for the dock, and the 'bot will return on its own before it runs out of juice. When it does, it will sit there until it has enough energy to go back out and continue to bust dust from where it left off. You can also set schedules for most 'bots to wake up and start a cleaning job, so it can take place while you're out of the house. That means you can potentially avoid all physical interaction until the vacuum needs to be emptied—you still can't take that step out of the equation. Also unlike many traditional vacuums, all of the robots included here don't use bags to hold the dust, hair, and other debris they suck up. Instead, they use an easy-to-remove dust bin you can simply eject and empty into the nearest garbage can. And many come equipped with HEPA filters that prevent allergens from spreading through the air. Also worth noting: Floor-cleaning robots like the iRobot Braava 380t and the iRobot Scooba 450specialize in mopping and sweeping.

They aren't eligible for this list because they don't vacuum up dirt and debris, but they will get your hardwood floors nice and shiny. The Moneual Rydis H68 is the only vacuum on this list that offers wet mop cleaning as well. Convenience vs. CostA robot vacuum is usually higher in price than a traditional vacuum (though not always; the Dyson Cinetic Animal + Allergy costs a whopping $700). best leather cleaner for tan seatsThe models listed here range from $250 to $900. best vacuum cleaner 2013 auThat's a pretty sizable investment, even on the lower end. upright vacuum cleaners best priceLet's consider just what you get for the price. Unless you really love to vacuum, the task itself is pretty mundane.

Depending on the size of your house, a robot vacuum can save you anywhere from minutes to hours of your time every week by taking care of a pretty thankless chore. That alone is reason enough for some people to consider one. In addition, robot vacuums have reached the point where they're basically just as effective and powerful as regular vacuums. The robots rounded up here use filters, side brushes, and spinning brushes that will do an equally good job of cleaning your home as their upright equivalents. They're also fairly compact, so they won't take up much space in your storage closet. And they're able to travel underneath most couches and tables, so you won't have to rearrange furniture. Even if you do, the more advanced robots on this list use memory banks to note where furniture is placed, so as not to bump into anything on a future pass. Also worth mentioning: The latest vacuums, like the Neato BotVac Connected and the aformentioned Roomba 980, can connect to your home Wi-Fi network so you can control them with your smartphone, even when you're not home.

Convenience like this is pricey, but it definitely has its perks. For more shopping advice, including robot and traditional models, be sure to read our buying guide. To see our most recent reviews, check out our Vacuum product page.You take pride in the natural beauty and luster of your hardwood floor and want to keep it looking great. beauty of your hardwood flooring, follow an easy, regular cleaning routine to remove dirt and abrasive debris that can scratchA vacuum cleaner can help get the job done quickly and effectively. There are many choices in vacuum models, yet none designed specifically for cleaning hardwood floors. you need to look for a tool that has enough power and flexibility to deal with dust, dirt, and pet hair without damaging the If you already have a vacuum, use it like you do for cleaning carpets - with a few adjustments outlined below to accommodateIf you're in the market for a new vacuum cleaner, this article will help you narrow the choices to find

the best vacuum for hardwood flooring. First, decide between a self-contained upright model and a canister with its power head attached to a long hose. typically cost less than canisters but weighing 20 lbs. or more, they can give you a workout. Canister vacuums are lightweight, and since you’re mostly moving just the hose and power head, easier to maneuver. Canisters clearly have the edge when it comes to cleaning stairs or under furniture. You might also consider the less powerful stick vacuums. These inexpensive, versatile vacuums have a low profile that easily fits under cabinets and furniture. While no substitute for a full-sized vacuum, a stick vacuum is a convenient way to clean up dirt, sand and other debris brought in from outdoors. In reviewing the best vacuums for hardwood flooring, you’ll need to consider dirt collection options. dirt in a built-in bin instead of a throw-away bag. Be aware though, with these vacuums, emptying the dirt bin can expose

you to a cloud of dust, and pet hair tends to cling to bagless bins, so emptying them can be a frustrating and dusty chore. If you choose a bagless option, check that the bin is well sealed to prevent dust from leaking back into the air where it can redeposit on hardwood floors. Bag vacuums generally hold more dirt and may be preferable if you have allergies. Once you know the type of vacuum you want, look for the features that indicate whether you can use it for hardwood floors. Roller brush on/off switch: stops the roller brush from spinning. On a hard surface, a spinning brush will scatter dirt and debris, and it’s also prone to snagging small rugs. Suction control switch: reduces airflow when light suction is all that’s needed. Manual height adjustment (or bare floor setting): lets you lower the power head when vacuuming hardwood flooring. Some vacuums adjust automatically. Edge cleaner: models with this feature can pick up dirt under the entire power head, meaning the vacuum can clean right up to where the